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Shark Bay Discovery & Visitor Centre

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery & Visitor Information Centre

Designed to showcase the significance and history of the Shark Bay region, the Discovery Centre is a multi-day ticket. Explore the history of the area with informative and interactive displays. The Rose De Freycinet Art Gallery displays local collections, touring exhibitions, or the Centre's local ND5 Shark Bay aerial photography. The Fire on the Water HMAS Sydney II 3D Film operates every half-hour. Entry into the art gallery and theatre is free of charge. The Centre also provides tour and accommodation bookings for local operators.

Denham WA

0.0 km away

Zuytdorp Cliffs — Image credit: Shark Bay Discovery & Visitor Centre

Natural Attractions

Steep Point

Steep Point, the westernmost point of Australia, is a popular fishing area. It is part of Carrarang Station and salt mining country. See the magnificent Zuytdorp Cliffs which rise to some 170 metres above sea level. Visitors are to bring their drinking water. Visitors are welcome to holiday at locations on the property but are subject to the control and the direction of the ranger. While the property offers a long coastline, there are relatively few popular camping spots that have protection from southerly winds and access to good swimming and fishing waters.

Denham WA

0.0 km away

Shark Bay Marine Park

Natural Attractions

Shark Bay Marine Park

The snorkelling, swimming and fishing are world-class at Shark Bay Marine Park about a day's drive north of Perth. The pristine waters of the park form part of the Shark Bay World Heritage area and meander across 1,500 kilometres of winding coastline which varies from rugged sea cliffs to tranquil lagoons and beaches that are perfect for swimming. In this part of the world, it's easy to find your very own slice of pure white sand and turquoise water. Spend a lazy afternoon spotting amazing sea creatures like rare turtles, whales, dolphins and dugongs. In the mornings, head to Monkey Mia to go dolphin watching and see a pod of wild dolphins swim to shore most days to be hand-fed. Huge seagrass meadows found in the Shark Bay Marine Park support a big variety of fish, making the fishing especially good and the diving world-class. The best known dive sites are Monkey Rock and the wreck of the 'Gudrun' where you'll see schools of brightly coloured fish and corals. Getting to Shark Bay Marine Park is easy - you can drive there in a day from Perth or fly in about two hours to Denham.

Denham WA

0.3 km away

Eagle Bluff

Natural Attractions

Eagle Bluff

Eagle Bluff features a spectacularly high cliff that overlooks the Denham Sound and is located 18 to 20 kilometres south of Denham. Walk along the boardwalk to see breathtaking views out across the water. Time your visit at sunset and you will witness one of the most magnificent sunsets in the West. The boardwalk lies over the ocean where you can see the osprey or sea eagles flying around, dugongs feeding on massive seagrass meadows and the Useless Loop salt pile. If you get a chance to get into the water you will be amazed by the abundance of fish and coral in this stretch of water and if you are lucky you may also see dolphins, sharks and dugongs. Eagle Bluff is a 10-hour drive north of Perth and can be found on the drive in or out of Denham. Regional Express flies from Perth to Monkey Mia Airport.

Denham WA

0.4 km away

Zuytdorp Cliffs

Natural Attractions

Zuytdorp Cliffs

The spectacular Zuytdorp Cliffs stretch for more than 200 kilometres along the northwest coast near Denham. Best seen from the ocean, you can take one of several sightseeing cruises on offer to explore these magnificent cliffs. Alternatively, take a scenic flight along this stretch of the coastline for breathtaking views and ample photographic opportunities. Once you have had a chance to see the cliffs, take a diving adventure and explore the Indian Ocean's marine life below. If fishing is preferred, several tour operators offer excellent fishing expeditions. Named after the Zuytdorp ship that was wrecked by the rugged coast in the early 1700s, the ship remains on the seabed near the cliffs. Stretching from the mouth of the Murchison River to the end of Dirk Hartog Island the Zuytdorp Cliffs are an eight-and-a-half-hour drive north of Perth. The area has no permanent water source, so be sure to bring plenty of drinking water when visiting the area.

Denham WA

0.4 km away

Big Lagoon — Image credit: Tourism WA

Natural Attractions

Big Lagoon

Big Lagoon is a series of magnificent tranquil lagoons located just outside of Denham. Sit on the shore and watch the abundant marine life including dolphins, sting rays and sharks as they frolic in the shallow waters. The lagoon is a perfect place to explore by canoe where you can get up close to the rich diversity of marine life. Whilst in the area do not miss the chance to visit the world-famous Monkey Mia where dolphins come to the shore to interact with humans, creating a truly unforgettable experience. This picturesque waterway is a spectacular and peaceful location in Francois Peron National Park, an eight hour drive north of Perth. The Big Lagoon is only accessible by four-wheel drive and fresh water is not available, so be prepared. Big Lagoon Campground nearby must be booked before you go and camping fees apply.

Denham WA

0.5 km away

The Denham Waterfront — Image credit: Tourism WA

Natural Attractions

Town Bluff

Town Bluff is a pleasant 10-minute walk along the shores of Denham in the state’s north. Beachcombers will be pleasantly surprised by the rich diversity of treasures to be found in the sands. The views back to the town and beyond are superb, and you will be amazed to see the striking salt mountain at Useless Loop some 250 kilometres away. The town of Denham has many attractions on offer as does the surrounding region. Take a short 15-minute drive to Eagle Bluff for a unique opportunity to witness dugongs coming close to the shore to feed on seagrass. Alternatively, get into the water for a closer look at these intriguing creatures and look out for the extremely rare West Australian seahorse. Just a short drive from Denham is the world-famous Monkey Mia where dolphins come right into the shore to interact with humans, creating a truly unforgettable experience. Town Bluff is located in the town of Denham, which is a 10-hour drive north of Perth.

Denham WA

1.1 km away

Francois Peron National Park

Natural Attractions

Francois Peron National Park

For a four-wheel driving adventure along a scenic coastline with dramatic red cliffs and white sandy beaches, head to Francois Peron National Park in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Once a sheep station, the park is now one of the most important wilderness areas in Australia and is home to many rare and endangered species. From the cliff tops of Cape Peron, you can see dugong, manta rays, turtles and sharks swimming in the water below. The Peron homestead precinct, just 6 kilometres off the Monkey Mia Road has a self-guided station walk trail, picnic facilities and even a hot tub where you can soak in artesian water. There are plenty of camping facilities at Big Lagoon, Bottle Bay, Herald Bight and Gregories. These are high-clearance low-range four-wheel drive vehicle access only. Francois Peron National Park is a 10-minute drive from Denham.

Denham WA

3.1 km away

Little Lagoon, Denham — Image credit: Australia's Coral Coast

Natural Attractions

Little Lagoon

Little Lagoon is a magnificent stretch of calm water ideal for swimming, fishing and frolicking in the clear shallow pools. Laze on the sandy beaches keeping an eye on the bird life that frequent the area, swim in the tranquil waters or take a boat out for a spot of fishing. Little Lagoon is just five kilometres from Denham and an eight-hour drive north of Perth. Whilst in the area do not miss the opportunity to visit the world-famous Monkey Mia, where dolphins come right to the shore to interact with visitors creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Denham WA

3.1 km away

Shell Beach

Natural Attractions

Shell Beach

Formed from billions of tiny shells, aptly named Shell Beach in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area is popular for swimming, beach combing and relaxing in the sunshine. Shell Beach is one of only a handful of places on earth where shells replace beach sand in such a dramatic and picturesque way. The beach stretches for more than 100 kilometres with shells between seven and ten metres deep. A walk on Shell Beach is like no other. Incredibly, the beach is made up of shells from just one type of animal, making it truly unique. In years gone by, the shells were hard packed, cut into blocks and used to construct a number of historic buildings in the nearby town of Denham. To get there, drive about 45 minutes from Denham - it's accessible to all vehicles. You can fly to Denham from Perth or it takes about a day to drive there from Perth.

Denham WA

3.5 km away

Shark Lagoon — Image credit: Ocean Park

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Ocean Park Aquarium

Ocean Park Aquarium is an award-winning, eco-friendly aquarium located on the pristine shores of the Shark Bay Marine Park in Western Australia. Whether taking in the wonders of the ocean with a guided tour of the aquarium or enjoying spectacular views from Oceans Restaurant, you are sure to find that Ocean Park Aquarium will deliver an experience unlike any other. Their mission is to protect and conserve the marine environment and inspire visitors to appreciate the oceans. This is achieved through imparting accurate scientific information and conveying messages of sustainability and conservation in a fun, passionate and educational manner. Tours run continuously every day, so no matter what time you arrive you will be able to join in on the next guided tour and experience all Ocean Park Aquarium has to offer. Tours take approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Watch the raw fury of sharks feeding, discover moray eels, see highly venomous sea snakes, excruciating stonefish and more! Learn about the secret lives of clown fish, and stingrays and visit the rescued sea turtles with your entertaining Tour Guide who will cater for the entire family.

Shark Bay WA

6.3 km away

Peron Homestead Precinct — Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Peron Homestead Precinct

The old overseers quarters in the Peron Heritage Precinct has been converted into a display for visitors. A large wall mural at the visitor centre is a stimulus to consider the perspectives of local Aboriginal people, French maritime explorers, early pastoralists and fishers through to the conservation managers of today. The display also shows how Project Eden, a plan to restore much of the wildlife to the Peron Peninsula, is changing Francois Peron National Park. The homestead artesian bore was drilled in 1922-1923 and the water was pumped by three windmills to nine watering points for livestock. Today, visitors can enjoy a dip in the hot water, and see emus and other birds that flock to drink in the overflow from the 'hot tub'. Please remember to keep glass out of the hot tub area and supervise small children when soaking in the tub. The artesian water is hot and soaking for extended periods can cause dehydration. Take regular breaks and drink plenty of water. The hot tub's waters are not safe for drinking. A nearby grassed area boasts barbecues and tables and is a great place for a picnic.

Francois Peron National Park WA

7.3 km away

Useless Loop — Image credit: Shark Bay Discovery & Visitor Centre

Agritourism

Useless Loop

Walking along the pristine beach at Denham you will be amazed by the extraordinary view of a white salt mountain at Useless Loop some 250 kilometres away. The salt mine produces the purest grade of salt in the world. Whilst not open to the public, those with four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles can get closer to see this unusual sight. Whilst in Denham take a close look at the unusual material used to build Saint Andrews Church and Old Pearlers Restaurant. Comprising of tiny shells from nearby Shell Beach, these buildings were built by the town’s original settlers. Stroll along the crisp clean sand or swim in the calm clear waters of the town’s beach. Alternatively, try your luck at fishing from the jetty or take a boat out for the larger catch.

Denham WA

28 km away

Dugong Encounters

Natural Attractions

Dugong Encounters

The endangered dugong is nature's only vegetarian sea mammal. They resemble a walrus, related to the elephant, called a sea-cow and grow to three metres and weigh up to 400 kilograms. Around the world, dugongs have been hunted to near extinction. It is estimated that 10,000 dugongs live in the waters of Shark Bay, representing 10 per cent of the world's remaining population. Dugongs can sometimes be seen along the Ningaloo Reef. Shark Bay is one of the world’s largest and most secure populations of this endangered mammal species. Closely linked with the mermaid myth, these alert, shy and curious creatures can live up to 70 years. Dugongs have a very low reproductive rate. Females don't produce their first calves until 12 to 17 years of age. Tours are available, offering visitors the unique opportunity to witness dugongs in the wild. They can be seen all year round but are more often spotted during Spring (September/October/November). Take a wildlife cruise or scenic flight into the Shark Bay or Ningaloo marine parks, departing from Monkey Mia, Denham, Coral Bay or Exmouth, and discover the delightful dugongs of Western Australia.

Shark Bay WA

29 km away

Dirk Hartog Island National Park

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Dirk Hartog Island National Park

Dirk Hartog Island National Park is wild and beautiful. Fishing is among the world's best at Dirk Hartog Island in the Shark Bay Marine Park. Fish from the side of a boat and you could snare a pink snapper, mackerel, yellow-fin tuna or sailfish. Other marine creatures are regularly spotted off the beaches of Dirk Hartog Island including pods of Bottlenose dolphins, Humpback whales, Manta rays, Dugongs and Turtles. This remote eco-tourism island is a great place for four-wheel driving along pristine beaches and over massive sand dunes. Bring your own 4WD across via the Hartog Explorer barge from Steep Point, and camp at one of nine remote National Park campsites: Turtle Bay, Quoin Head, Louisa Bay, Notch Point, The Block, Urchin Point, Sandy Point, Dampier's Landing, and Withnell Point. Facilities are minimal and visitors must be fully self-sufficient. Snorkelling is a must, and beaches are ideal for swimming and relaxing. Dirk Hartog Island has a unique place within Australia's history, as the site of the first recorded European landing on Australian soil, in 1616 by the island's namesake Dutch captain Dirk Hartog. This landing was more than 150 years before Captain James Cook officially discovered Australia. Today the island is home to the Return to 1616 conservation project, restoring native wildlife to the island.

Dirk Hartog Island WA

42 km away

Stromatolites, Hamelin Pool — Image credit: Tourism Western Australia

Natural Attractions

Hamelin Pool Stromatolites

Come face-to-face with the oldest living fossils known to man, with a visit to Hamelin Pool Stromatolites in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. It's one of only two places on the planet where these rare organisms occur, with Hamelin Pool considered to be the most diverse and abundant example. A 30 minute drive south of Denham and a stroll along the 200 metre boardwalk will give you a fascinating glimpse into how early life evolved over 3,500 million years ago. To get to Denham, you can take a two hour flight from Perth, opt to do the day's drive from Perth, or join an extended tour featuring a Shark Bay itinerary. The mystery surrounding the origin of the Stromatolites has attracted scientists from around the world, with many comparing them to discovering a living dinosaur. Interpretive signage along the boardwalk takes you through the theory of how the Stromatolites took shape over millions of years from a binding process of algae, sediment and sand. They grow at an astonishingly slow rate of just 0.33 millimetres each year. Even more astonishing is imagining the time it took for them to reach their current height of one metre.

Hamelin Pool WA

85 km away

Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station

Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station is a fascinating historic museum that pays tribute to the region's telecommunications endeavours back in the 1800s. Housing the telegraph station and post office, you can find out how signals were transmitted down the telegraph wires to post offices for translation. The museum also exhibits a living Stromatolite, the Earth's oldest life form, from the nearby marine nature reserve. Sit and listen to the informative talk and video about the Stromatolites. Make time to visit the Postmaster's residence for a delicious Devonshire tea afterwards. A pleasant stroll will bring you to Hamelin Pool, which is the world's best known colony of living Stromatolites that date back 3,000 years. Walk along the boardwalk to view this remarkable formation. Please note, the boardwalk is currently closed. Hamelin Pool Telegraph Station is an hour's drive south of Denham.

Hamelin Pool WA

85 km away

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